Lafayette College Hiring for Postdoctoral Research Associate at Easton, Pennsylvania Full Time

The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Lafayette College invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work with Professor Melissa Gordon on an NSF-funded CAREER project in the area of stimuli-responsive polymers. The goals of the funded project are to develop gas- and force-responsive polymer networks, and to examine the structure-property relationships that underlie activation in polymer networks. This project aims to advance research towards developing materials offering enhanced safety, longer lifespan, and reduced environmental impact.
In addition to collaborating on this project, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will have the opportunity to participate in departmental and divisional professional development workshops and seminars. Additionally, they will also be encouraged to attend programming organized on campus by the Center for the Integration of Teaching, Learning and Scholarship (CITLS). They will also have the opportunity to present at national conferences. The postdoctoral mentoring plan submitted as part of the funded grant will be shared and tailored to their unique interests and professional goals.
Responsibilities:
•    Design and execute experiments in conjunction with undergraduate researchers, record experimental details, analyze and interpret data, and present findings in oral and written formats
•    Mentor undergraduate researchers, modeling safe lab practices and integrity in research
•    Participate in individual and group meetings
•    Teach a guest lecture in an undergraduate materials science course on their research
•    Support a collaborative, productive, and inclusive learning environment 
•    Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
•    Ph.D. in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry or a related discipline. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.
•    Interest in working with and mentoring undergraduate researchers. Preference will be given to candidates who foresee mentoring undergraduates in research as an integral part of their future career, especially those considering a faculty career at a primarily undergraduate institution.
•    Basic laboratory skills and research experience (safe lab practices, recording and analyzing data, careful use of instrumentation, and a commitment to honesty and research integrity).
•    Ability to work effectively on a diverse team within a collaborative, supportive environment.
Application:
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. The position is immediately available though there is flexibility in the start date. This is a grant-funded position for one year with the potential to extend for an additional year.
To apply, please submit the materials listed below:
•    A current CV
•    A statement of career goals, research interests, relevant prior experiences, and how this opportunity may positively impact you (3 pages max)
•    1-2 letters of recommendation, one of which would ideally come from a research advisor
http://apply.interfolio.com/129233
Questions? Email Melissa Gordon, Associate Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering ([email protected])
This program is supported by the Polymers Program in the National Science Foundation Division of Materials Research under Grant DMR-2143146.

Lafayette is deeply committed to creating a diverse community, one that is inclusive and responsive and is supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff. All members of the College community share in the responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. All Lafayette operations reflect the College’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives, and Lafayette welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.